Milford Sound

Milford Sound

The Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most recognized wonders.  Not only is the Milford Sound the country's most photographed attraction, it was also featured in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.  Anyone that has seen the breathtaking beauty of the sound understands why photographers and film makers are drawn to the area.  In 2008, Tripadvisor named the Milford Sound the world's top travel destination!   

Milford Sound cliffs and waterfalls

What to Expect

The Milford Sound is a fjord in the southwest of the South Island.  It runs 15km inland from from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by mountains that reach nearly 5,000 feet.  The sheer cliffs that rise from the water are filled with lush forests and waterfalls.  Milford Sound weather is unpredictable.  Rainfall is a constant threat in the Milford Sound, as it receives more rainfall than any other inhabited place in New Zealand. 

The only drawback to the Milford Sound is getting there.  The nearest major cities, Queenstown and Invercargill, are still a 4 hour drive.   Weather can also create travel havoc on the mountainous roads to and from the Milford Sound.  I had to wait several days to visit because a winter blizzard had shut down all roads to the area.  It's remote location has not discourage to tourism however; nearly one million people visit every year.  Most tour groups leaving from Queenstown reach the Milford Sound around noon, which makes midday is most crowded time to visit.  If possible, lodge overnight near the sound, and take one of the morning tours to avoid the crowds. 

Nearly soaked by a Milford Sound waterfall

The Milford Sound can be explored by boat, airplane, helicopter, kayak, or even foot.  The most popular option is to take a boat cruise; I chose Mitre Peak Cruises for my tour.  Mitre Peak offers tours year-round and advertises itself as the only tour "that goes past St. Anne's lighthouse, and out into the Tasman Sea."  I liked that they had smaller boats to get up close and personal to both wildlife and waterfalls.  Our boat got close enough to one of the waterfalls to soak anyone not inside the cabin!  The entire tour took two hours, which was enough time to get a sense of what makes the area so special.   The meeting of mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, forest, and ocean have made the Milford Sound one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. 

Just the Basics

• Location: A four hour drive from either Queenstown or Invercargill. 
• Cost: Cruise only is $68NZ ($50US).  Transportation from Queenstown is extra.  
• Website: http://www.mitrepeak.com/ 
• Advice: Bring a camera, pack rain gear, and book a morning cruise (to avoid crowds).